From skiing in the passes of the Cascade Range, to water sports in Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, Washington is all about active lifestyles and outdoor recreation. Still – even those with ready access to natural landscapes head to the state’s many athletic clubs, gyms, and specialty studios to get their exercise fix. As a personal trainer, you can help motivate residents to stay in shape for their favorite weekend adventures, all while earning a great salary.
The United States Department of Labor expects the number of fitness trainers in Washington to increase by 16% through 2022, just to keep pace with the growing demand for personal training services in the state.
The state’s dedication to increasing the physical activity of state residents through initiatives like the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan help contribute to the growing demand for personal training services. This plan is intended to meet the following objectives, which will no doubt call for more well-qualified personal fitness professionals:
- Provide state and local recreation places with more funding
- Allow better access to public facilities for exercise purposes
- Support employers that offer policies that create physical activity opportunities
The Impact of Education, Certification and Experience
The highest paid personal trainers in Washington typically have a history of professionalism that includes:
- A college degree in a related major such as physical education, kinesiology, or exercise science
- A diverse work history which may include on-the-job training, volunteer positions, and solid employment references
- A personal trainer certification through an esteemed organization
In 2013, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that fitness trainers working in Washington earned annual salaries that were greatly influenced by their individual level of experience. For instance, highly experienced fitness trainers earned almost $50,000 more annually than those just starting out that year:
- Entry-Level: $20,600/yr.
- Mid-Career: $35,900/yr.
- Experienced: $69,300/yr.
Even fitness trainers that received hourly wages found that their pay was frequently contingent upon their experience level. On average, experienced part-time fitness trainers in Washington earned an hourly wage nearly $20 higher than those in entry-level positions:
- Entry-Level: $9.91/hr.
- Mid-Career: $17.24/hr.
- Experienced: $33.30/hr.
Regional Salary Data for Personal Trainers in Washington
In Washington, your location can also impact your future earnings. In 2013, the United States Department of Labor released the following salary data for fitness trainers employed throughout Washington: